RELEASE: 2006 Dodge Challenger Super Stock Concept

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2006 SEMA Show by TCC Team (10/30/2006)All
our coverage from the Las Vegas aftermarket extravaganza.

Next year marks the
50th anniversary of an engine that revolutionized not only drag racing, but the
entire automotive industry as well: The legendary 392 HEMI®. Mention the word
"HEMI" to an automotive enthusiast and little else needs to be said. Or, perhaps
a lot more needs to be said depending on your perspective.

"The 392 HEMI
is a legend so rich in automotive tradition that hundreds, if not thousands, of
books and accounts have been written about its historical significance," said
Chris Cortez, senior vice president – Global Service & Parts, Chrysler
Group."

The History of the 392 HEMIThe original 392 HEMI
engine was introduced in the new 1957 model year Chryslers and Imperials. It
replaced the 354 cubic-inch version of the original HEMI launched in
1951.Compared with the 354, the 392 was completely revised and improved,
with larger valves and ports, a beefier block and crankshaft, and improved
bearings. In short, the 392 HEMI, often referred to simply as the "92," was
perfect for drag racing.

More than a few racers bolted on six or eight
carburetors, slipped in a hotter cam, tipped some nitro into the tank and went
racing. Racing legend Don Garlits ran a 392 in his Swamp Rat I at record speeds
of over 180 mph on nitro with no supercharger. Garlits also used a 392 HEMI to
officially break the 200-mph barrier when his Swamp Rat went 201.34 mph at
Atco, N.J. in 1964.

Dodge Challenger Super
Stock Concept with 392 HEMI by MoparTo further commemorate the legacy of
the 392, Chrysler Group and Mopar are unveiling a SEMA first: a concept vehicle
tricked out just for SEMA. From Detroit's 2006 North American International
Auto Show and a year before its production debut, the stunning Dodge Challenger
Super Stock with 392 HEMI by Mopar.

"There was really only one vehicle
choice to showcase our new crate motor-the bold, powerful and capable, Dodge
Challenger," said Cortez.

One of the most iconic muscle cars of the
1970s, it debuted in the fall of 1969 as a 1970 model. Although it was only
produced from 1970 to 1974 (188,600 sold), the Dodge Challenger earned a
reputation as one of the most desirable of the original "pony cars," with
meticulously restored and rare examples today selling for six-figure
prices.

The Challenger went racing in its first year and HEMI-powered
Challengers tore up the drag strips across the country in the SCCA Trans-am
series and NHRA Pro Stock classes. In 1971, a Dodge Challenger paced the
Indianapolis
500.

"The HEMI legacy lives on," said Cortez. "But this Dodge Challenger
Super Stock concept will no doubt bring that legacy to a whole new
generation."

The all-new Dodge Challenger will debut as a 2008 model in
calendar-year 2008.

392 Technical SpecificationsTo help
celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary engine, Mopar is launching an
all-new 392 HEMI crate motor for a new generation of performance enthusiasts.
This engine-built with all new components-is a complete engine assembly from the
throttle body to the oil pan, and cranks out 525 horsepower in it most potent
form.